Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Lakeland

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Lakeland

Definition of Cardiothoracic Medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest.

This specialty encompasses a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to complex open-heart surgeries.

Significance in Lakeland's Healthcare Landscape

In Lakeland, Florida, as in many parts of the country, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are significant health concerns.

Access to skilled cardiothoracic specialists is essential for managing these conditions effectively and improving patient outcomes.

Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist in Lakeland

Factors to Consider

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certification in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Years of experience in the field
• Specialized training and fellowships

Patient Feedback and Ratings

• Importance of patient reviews
• Understanding star ratings (e.g., Dr. Messina's 5.0 star rating)
• Considering the number of reviews (e.g., 2 reviews for Dr. Messina)

Accessibility and Communication

• Location and office hours
• Language proficiency (e.g., Dr. Messina speaks English)
• Availability for consultations and follow-ups

Resources for Doctor Research

Online Platforms

• Healthgrades (source for Dr. Messina's information)
• Other reputable medical review websites
• Hospital and clinic websites

Local Medical Resources

• Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center
• Florida Department of Health in Polk County
• Local cardiology and thoracic surgery associations

Personal Recommendations

• Referrals from primary care physicians
• Experiences of friends and family members
• Support groups for heart and lung conditions

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Specialist in Lakeland

Dr. Jack Messina

Professional Background

• Education: Albany Medical College, 1968
• Specialization: Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Years of Experience: Over 50 years in practice

Patient Satisfaction

• 5.0 star rating on Healthgrades
• Based on 2 patient reviews
• Perfect score indicates high patient satisfaction

Practice Information

• Gender: Male
• Languages: English
• Contact: (863) 680-7000
• Online Profile: Available on Healthgrades

Limited Data on Other Specialists

Current Information

• Dr. Messina is the only specialist with detailed information in our dataset
• Patients should conduct further research for a comprehensive view

Expanding Your Search

• Consider consulting with your primary care physician for referrals
• Check with local hospitals for additional cardiothoracic specialists
• Explore other reputable online healthcare directories

Additional Considerations for Selecting a Cardiothoracic Doctor in Lakeland

Insurance and Payment Options

Importance of verifying insurance coverage

• Check if the doctor accepts your insurance plan
• Inquire about out-of-pocket costs

Payment plans and financial assistance

• Ask about available payment options
• Explore financial assistance programs if needed

Hospital Affiliations

Significance of hospital affiliations

• Consider the quality and reputation of affiliated hospitals
• Check if the affiliated hospitals are conveniently located

Dr. Messina's affiliations

• Note: No specific hospital affiliations listed in the provided data

Language and Communication

Importance of clear communication

• Ensure you can effectively communicate with your doctor
• Dr. Messina speaks English

Availability of translation services

• Inquire about translation services if needed

Gender Preferences

Personal comfort considerations

• Dr. Messina is male
• Consider your personal comfort with doctor's gender

Diversity in Lakeland's cardiothoracic specialists

• Explore other gender options if preferred
• Note: Limited data available on other specialists